News Releases

University of Maryland School of Nursing Researchers Awarded Grant to Explore Improvement of Long-Term Care

April 26, 2013

Baltimore, Md. – As the elderly population continues to grow, faculty researchers at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) are actively exploring effective methods to evaluate the quality of long-term care. Alison M. Trinkoff, ScD, MPH, RN, FAAN, professor, in collaboration with Meg Johantgen, PhD, RN, associate professor; Nancy B. Lerner, DNP, RN, CDONA, assistant professor; Carla Storr, ScD, MPH, professor; and Kihye Han PhD, RN, post-doctoral fellow, was recently awarded a research grant to evaluate national data on long-term care from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Funding for the two-year, $296,594 research grant begins Sept. 1.

The study will look at the relationships among regulations, leadership, and quality of care across diverse long-term care facilities. In addition to nursing homes, other types of residential facilities have been developed to meet the demands for alternative levels of care. These facilities require appropriately-trained personnel and strong leadership to provide quality care to people with complex physical and mental health needs. However, regulations for operating these facilities vary by state.

Additionally, researchers will examine the influence that variations in care regulations have on resident outcomes. The study will also explore the role of credentials for the administrative leadership team in these facilities. Upon completion of the study, recommendations will be made on improving the regulation of direct care providers, which could have a beneficial impact on care. 

“We know that there are many elders in the long-term care system with significant health care needs, and the quality of the care they receive needs attention,” Trinkoff said. “Gaining a greater understanding of the role of nursing in long-term care is crucial for making regulatory recommendations and maintaining quality care. Our goal is to examine outcomes data and make regulatory recommendations that could lead to better care.”

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largestnursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally. Enrolling nearly 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment